Facing disability discrimination at your school or job is something no one should have to experience. The Americans with Disabilities Act and Fair Employment and Housing Act are laws that protect people from unjust discrimination. Employees who live with a disability must know their rights in order to protect their livelihood from being infringed upon.
A blind college student is suing her university on the basis that the school is failing to accommodate her. Her suit states that the university is violating the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the ADA. Specifically the suit proclaims that the student was not provided learning material that would allow her to learn as well as her peers. She did not have access to Braille textbooks, course materials or special graphics that replace the visuals in textbooks.
The school denies all accusations. The whole problem stems from the fact that the student claims that she did not receive sufficient accommodation. As a result the student’s grades worsened unfairly to the point that she will be unable to attend veterinary school upon finishing undergraduate studies. The student wants the university to strike her poor grades from the record and reimburse her for three years of tuition.
Although this lawsuit is occurring in Ohio, this situation is applicable to residents of California. The ADA protects all disabled Americans. Institutions like schools are required to make certain accommodations for disabled students. It is important that those who live with a disability and are involved in lawsuits obtain representation that is fully aware of the rights of those that are disabled.
Source: Cincinnati Business Courier, “Blind Miami student files discrimination suit against university,” Andy Brownfield, Jan. 13, 2014